Alternatives to the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Highlighted by Android Central
A review recommends six smartphones—including Samsung, Redmagic, POCO, iPhone, OPPO and Vivo models—as viable replacements for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, noting differences in performance, price and availability.
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro XL offers improved cameras, a brighter OLED display and faster performance, but the device also suffers from reduced RAM, a smaller battery and a weaker GPU, according to a recent review. The author evaluated phones released in the past year and identified six models that may serve as better options for current Pixel users.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra matches the Pixel in camera quality, battery life and IP68 protection while running Samsung’s One UI 9 and promising seven years of software updates. The Redmagic 11S Pro is positioned as a gaming-focused phone with a 7,500 mAh battery, liquid cooling and the latest Qualcomm chipset, though its camera system is described as average and it will receive only two Android OS updates.
The POCO F8 Ultra, available through third-party sellers, features a triple-50 MP camera setup, a unique denim-finish body, a 6,500 mAh battery with 100 W fast charging and Bose-tuned audio. It is slated for four Android OS updates. For users considering a switch to iOS, the iPhone 17 Pro is recommended for its stable software and extensive accessory ecosystem, albeit with shorter battery life than the Pixel.
Among Chinese manufacturers, the OPPO Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro are highlighted for their high-end camera systems, MediaTek Dimensity 9500 and MediaTek Dimensity platforms respectively, and sizable batteries. Both run modern Android skins—ColorOS 16 and OriginOS—and offer five years of OS updates. Pricing varies, with the Find X9 Pro listed at £1,099 in the U.K. and the Vivo X300 Pro at €1,089.
"If you just need one recommendation and don't mind going the reseller route, I'd suggest getting the POCO F8 Ultra — it is a pretty good all-rounder," the reviewer writes.
The review concludes that the POCO F8 Ultra provides the best overall value, while the Redmagic 11S Pro suits users needing maximum performance, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro are suitable for those preferring a broader ecosystem in the United States.